19 Aug 2014 13:12:59
So apparently Suarez went for £65 million quid, not £75m. Absolute outrage, Ayre should be sacked, as well as Rodgers, and Gerrard and the lady who makes the teas at Melwood while we are at it

stuie_boy

{Ed002's Note - The total amount that went to Liverpool after a small payment to Ajax, converted in to Sterling at today's rate, is a £62M and change. There would then be a few other costs that the club has to pay - and that would need to be deducted. I did explain this at the time, so can we finally now put this to bed.}

{Ed002's Note - It is actually the same figure I gave at the time, but it has now appeared in the UEFA database.}

2.) Alot of us don't really factor in agent fees and a lot of these fees are documented in the annual reports. In some cases, there weren't. In the case of Suarez, we do not know what the proportions were. Even if it was 75m, LFC won't get 75m in total and I imagine something in the line of 65m would sound rather reasonable.

{Ed002's Note - It is not in the public domain but those that provide the start of season data to Transfermarkt use that data. It is maintained as part of a commercial database that has to be purchased (newspapers, clubs, television companies, press agencies etc. buy it). It is maintained on a regular basis although some (like Transfermarkt) don't take the updates so I would not entirely rely on their data.}

4.) 19 Aug 2014 15:17:51
Yet again another reason why we never ask figures on the forum, when will the lads totally understand that this is not an easy issue to understand if not in the thick of things, thanks for the response though Ed002

{Ed002's Note - As a reminder for transfer fees, what is paid by the buying club would typically include:
(a) Transfer fee - the big number.
(b) Any levy applied by the local FA – 5% for the EPL.
(c) Tax due on the transfer fee – typically this will be VAT (at varying rates across Europe) some or all of which should be reclaimable.
(d) Agent fees – this may be to one or more agents (as an example, Liverpool have spent £25M plus VAT on agent fees over the past three years leading to this window).
(e) Tax due on the agent fees – typically this is VAT at the local rate where the agent bills from – it is not reclaimable.
(f) Intermediary fees – this may be to one or more sponging leeches(what do you mean you have a super agent?) .
(g) Tax due on the Intermediary fees – typically this is VAT at the local rate where the Intermediary bills from – it is not reclaimable.
(h) Signing on fee to the player (possibly including non-reclaimable VAT if the player is VAT registered).
(i) Legal fees.
(j) VAT on legal fees which is reclaimable.
(k) Moving/relocation costs for the player.
(l) VAT on moving/relocation costs which is reclaimable.
(m) Paying up insurance costs to the selling club (sometimes waived).

What is paid by the selling club would typically include:
(a) If the player is under 24, a Solidarity contribution paid to his previous clubs responsible for his training - this is 5% of the transfer fee received.
(b) Any monies owed to the player if he did not request a transfer – again this is 5% of the transfer fee received.
(c) Any monies owed to the player in terms of his contract (typically outstanding owed wages (not future wages) and bonuses).

5.) 19 Aug 2014 16:44:04
Big deal, I used to care about how much we spend and wages for the club and ect. But to be fair we are not the owners, we don't spend the money ourselves and also we don't even get to pick our targets. So why do we care?

{Ed002's Note - You should care that the club is well run from a financial perspective. Portsmouth, Leeds, etc..}

6.) 19 Aug 2014 17:40:34
They are professional business men, funding their own money. They are the best people for it. the person who will be most angry in losing millions is the board more than the fans its there money lol they will do what's best for own company. no need to worry.

7.) Suarez as gone its time to move on. I think ed2 said at the time the only one to blame why we didn't get more for Suarez was the man himself and his behavior. As I say time for a new star to be born.

9.) 19 Aug 2014 23:09:28
So we only got 15m more for Suarez than Chelsea got for for David luiz.Sounds wrong but a player that wants to go and tends to get himself in trouble too much 40m profit we will take that and move on imo.

11.) 20 Aug 2014 11:50:27
There is no obsession with Chelsea Ed002 I was simply making sense of transfer prices of players 1 being 1 of the best players in the world and the other being average imo, but I do think Suarez behaviour brought our price down its just luiz did leave Chelsea so they got mentioned

{Ed002's Note - My views on many of the purchases of BR have been explained. Take the search engine for a run.}

3.) I would add Ilori, Assaidi and Borini to the 'weird transfer decisions' pile along with Sahin. Not sure what the deal is with Sakho either. Have to agree that thus far, by and large, we seem to spend a fair amount of money rather ineffectively.

4.) I'd like to see Llori given a chance at Liverpool, he's only 20/21. I've got a lot of Spanish mates, Granada and Sevilla fans mainly, and they feel he has a lot of potential. Can't say I have seen much of him myself though.

6.) I believe Llori is considered "one for the future" and possibly for next season.
I think the hope is he pushes on while at Boudreaux and can possibly stake a claim next season.

On another note. I have to agree that most of BR signings haven't worked out and not surprised a committee make the decisions now.

Eds, do you think that BR gives a wish list to the committee or possibly just a list of positions that need strengthening? Does it then just mean the committee are the "directors of football" and didn't Rodgers not want that when he was at appointed?

11 Jan 2019 05:52:09
I'd like some opinions from the readers. I was having a discussion about LFC after the city game with some other fans (on a forum somewhere) and the majority were banging on that we have to sign a CB as "Lovren is crap". I pointed out we have an excellent young CB in Gomez who will learn a lot from playing with VVD and Lovren is a decent enough back up as we have more pressing areas to buy for. Their response was that Gomez is injury prone and we should buy Koulibaly immediately. When I pointed out that would pretty much ruin Gomez progress, they say no, as when Gomez is fit, he will start ahead of him. So you then have a 90million defender sat on the bench, happily apparently. I also believe Gomez is far from injury prone, more unlucky as they were two major injuries that could happen to anyone.
I was in the minority in this discussion and was called cluess etc. Now, am I being unreasonable, do we have the need for a "top" CB, let alome the funds?! I find out odd that such a vast majority of fans seem to not think of the bigger picture ie funds, players we have already etc and I'd like to thank the Ed's and this site for helping to share their knoedge and u Der standing of all things LFC and football related. I feel I have a much better understanding of the inner workings. And common sense it seems!

stuie_boy

{Ed001's Note - it is an irrelevant discussion as Koulibaly has no interest in joining us. He certainly would not join to be number 3 choice!}

1.) 11 Jan 2019 06:28:30
Lovern is ok to be fourth choice I think. We were just unlucky over the period as Matip (who was looking good recently also got himself injured) .

2.) 11 Jan 2019 06:32:58
It will be another 5-7 years before the club even thinks of spending big on a CB like the VVD fee. And I am happy with what we have. Its just unfortunate that 3 out of our 4 CBs are injured at the same time. VVD and GOmez compliment each other really well and Lovren and Matip (when fit) are decent backups to have.

3.) 11 Jan 2019 07:00:16
For me Lovren and Matip are not bad back ups. I actually think Lovren is pretty good the majority of the time he just has major lapses, although playing next to Van Dijk has made them largely disappear. The only worry for me is that we have 4 centre backs with history of injuries which could leave us vunreable like we are now. Hopefully Fabinho will go well (thought he played okay on Monday) and become a viable 5th choice in desperate times:

4.) 11 Jan 2019 07:05:32
For Klopp to sign a central defender, you’re right, either Gomez or the new signing would sit on the bench.

However, you don’t HAVE to play the same line-up as regularly as Klopp does. You can rotate the squad like Rafa used to at LFC. So out of 50 ish games a year your 3 top central defenders will play 33 ish each unless they get injured.

That’s the problem, Klopp’s reputation for not rotating the squad will reduce the players willing to join in my opinion.

6.) 11 Jan 2019 10:23:41
I don't think we need a 90m defender. I think we need another defender though. Someone on the same level as Lovren, and we'll let Matip go.
We shouldn't have 3 defenders in Lovren/ Matip/ Gomez who have the tendency of getting injured. To the best of my knowledge, each of the three have been out for at least 2 months (in total) each of the past two/ three seasons.
But we don't need a major signing in defence. Any major signing should be a forward player.

8.) 11 Jan 2019 12:29:58
I think Hummels would be a great purchase. Getting older so wouldn’t be overly expensive. Proven quality with a history with Klopp. Not playing much at the min so would be available and would be a great option for rotation and cover. I know it won’t happen but think it would be a great move.

9.) 11 Jan 2019 13:13:49
The one issue with the centre backs is apart from vvd there all injury prone lovren, gomez and maptip have missed a lot of games over the last 3 seasons through injury. I wouldn't be against letting matip and lovren go and bring in one to compete with Gomez and vvd then use one of the younger players to fill the other space.

10.) 11 Jan 2019 13:33:36
I think you’re all being a bit harsh calling Gomez injury prone. He broke a bone through an impact injury. That’s not injury prone that’s just unlucky.
He’s had the knee problems but a lot of young players get things like that until their body stops growing and developing. I think he’ll be a stalwart at the back for for many years to come.
I also think after watching Fabinho on Monday he could become a great CB if played there regularly.
There is absolutely no need for us to blow £40mil plus (as that’s what it would take to get better than what we already have) on a new CB.

12.) 11 Jan 2019 16:34:35
The problem with Matip and Lovrens as back up CBs is they often pick up little injuries to rule them out of playing. what's the point in being a back up CB if you're not there to be back up? I don't think we need a TOP CB signing but i do think we need a more reliable back up for when Gomez or VVD are rested or injured.

13.) 11 Jan 2019 20:25:12
Love the post, OP. Khoulibaly is miles ahead of Gomez right now so the fact that these rival fans think the best defender available right now in Khoulibaly, will come here and be 3rd choice to Gomez, just goes to show you how clueless these people are about football in general. I don't believe we need a CB right now as the boys will be back in a week to two weeks.

I don't think Gomez is injury prone or at least, it is too early to say. The kid is only 21 or 22 and his body is still developing as he grows into football and with that happening, injuries will come. Btw, Gomez did not get injured on his own. he got injured via a rash tackle, which can happen.

As for backups, I agree with Cobra66. Matip and Lovs are very good CB backups, IMO. Matip had been poor for all of last season BUT was just getting better before his injury. Lovs recovered very well from the Spurs debacle last season to finish strong alongside VVD will brilliant performance for the vast majority of his games (MOTM at the Etihad in the CL) . In fact, I think either would start at Utd and Arsenal easily, ability wise.

The issue is that both are injury prone and Lovs loses it each time things are not going his way. Replacement? Not Hummels, PLEASE! Hummels would not be my pick as he is too old, no pace, lacks aggressiveness in the challenge. He is a has-been and needs to be left there, IMO.

14.) 11 Jan 2019 22:28:16
Teams evolve. Ours has evolved and we have a CB who played in the European Cup final AND the world Cup final who is often on the bench. We have one of the most promising young CBs in world football and we have Joel matip who knows this league and has improved. Oh, and we have the best CB in the world.

Teams suffer from injuries, its part of the professional game and we have just about enough to scrape through with Fabhino and Henderson who can fill in. Matip is almost back and in a few weeks we will be spoilt for choice again.

I do believe we need a top top CB to partner Van Dijke, and I believe we already have him in Joe gomez.

15.) 12 Jan 2019 00:17:09
The money being quoted for players atm you would have to splash out at least double lovrens fee just to get some one on his level. And if that player had been in the World Cup and European cup finals probably another 50% on top of that.

02 Jan 2019 12:02:49
A slightly different question for Ed002 is about. I'd like your thoughts on the whole Chief Executive situation for the PL. With Susanna Dinnage turning down the position, is there an underlying reason for it and what did you think of her appointment in the first place? I know Ed001 isn't a fan of Scudamore but what are your thoughts? From a purely business perspective you could argue he done his job well though I'm not massively clued up on his career. I know it's not directly Liverpool related, but interested to get an informed opinion. PS, when will Fekir sign.

stuie_boy

{Ed002's Note - There is nothing sinister in her opting out, it will be no more than Discovery offering her something attractive and interesting. I don't know Scudamore at all well and he, like whoever takes over the role, has had to face some difficult issues. If I could criticise one thing it would be the need to delegate more. Tom Betts, Tim Davie and perhaps, if she is interested, Claudia Arney might be the most likely options but it would need Claudia Arney to step down from her role on the selection committee.

Lyon will generally not let two players of any significance leave in the same season and their expectaion is that Fekir will leave and they will have to fend off interest in Tanguy Ndombele and Houssem Aouar - but they know that selling one of these in addition to Fekir will bring significant funds to the club.

They have spoken to two sides about Fekir already and mid January will see a meeting where many of the major protagonists will be together and I suspect much business done, but a third party representing one particular club has been camped out in the South of France to see if something can be done in advance of January 15.}

1.) 02 Jan 2019 12:36:54
OK thanks Ed, wasn't expecting the Fekir answer but there we go. Not a bad camp site that.

{Ed002's Note - No it is nothing to do with Liverpool. If Liverpool do want to return to Fekir I am sure there is a fixed price that Lyon would sell him to Liverpool for after they screwed Lyon and the player around in the summer. So right now I am not aware of any Liverpool interest. As I have said, unless one side (who are trying) can get in and agree something in the next 10 days, it will wait until everyone will be in Geneva on 15/16. Pulisic has been addressed repeatedly.}

15 Nov 2018 01:21:23
Ed001, (or any others that would like to answer) have you ever played football to a reasonably high level? The reason I ask, is that you obviously have a good knowledge of the game tactically wise etc and it got me thinking about the question: do top managers have to have had a successful playing career? All these years and it made me tho k, I don't know if you've ever divulged much about a possible football career or experiences?

stuie_boy

{Ed001's Note - I am almost blind without my glasses mate and can't wear contacts, so I could never make it as a player until way too late when Davids was given permission to wear the goggles in 1999. So no, I was never in a position to even attempt to do so. Wenger, Mourinho and a number of others never had a successful playing career but made it. It used to be that you had to be a professional player first but as Arrigo Sacchi said: “I never realised that to be a jockey you had to be a horse first.”}

1.) 15 Nov 2018 03:44:55
Yeah I totally agree with that sentiment, as long as you understand the game and people. Interesting though. I love football but didn't really start playing it seriously until my mid to late 20's due to committing to cricket. I'm guessing Ed002 was and still is a demi God of an athlete.

{Ed001's Note - Ed002 doesn't need to run, he has serfs to carry him on a palanquin everywhere he needs to go.}

2.) 15 Nov 2018 04:51:30
Along the same lines, I read an article about an American basketball coach named Gene Kady. He played American football at a high level, then was ask coach basketball when he was a teacher. He went on to be very successful at Purdue University in Basketball. Goes to show that good coaches are good coaches regardless of there background. Good man management and being able to understand and convey tactics seem to what makes a good coach or manager.

5.) 15 Nov 2018 07:41:20
“Ed002 doesn't need to run, he has serfs to carry him on a palanquin everywhere he needs to go. “😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 priceless Ed, great start to the morning 👍 Ed02 is probably sitting in a warm bath of asses milk right now before his daily pedicure.

{Ed002's Note - Ed002 is in an office in Israel and flying to England this afternoon. The WiFi on BA is now very good, so I can continue to check on you all.}

6.) 15 Nov 2018 07:34:34
Obviously I wouldn't know about coaching at the top level, but I coached at a state level in Aus for years. What helped me hit the ground running so to speak, was that I previously played at the old National Soccer League level (felt like when I played sunday pub league back in Liverpool at times, ha) . It helped that I had the playing experience at a level equal to or higher than those I was coaching. It also gave me some degree of respect from the players (until they got to know me of course, then it went out the window) . Look at the like of Gerrard and Lampard, regardless of their coaching experience, they would have instantly had the respect of the players, i'd assume?
That said, it's only a way in, you still have to have the nouse to know tactics etc.

7.) 15 Nov 2018 08:00:11
Semi pro in SA and represented my province, the Western Cape. Yet Edd001 still has double the football knowledge I have when reading the game. Its weird how little Alan Shearer and Owen knows about football tactics and they were arguably the top 10 strikers in the EPL era.

{Ed001's Note - playing and understanding it are different things mate. You only need to understand small amounts as a player, just the things that help you improve. As a coach you need to understand every players' role and how to get the best out of them etc.}

8.) 15 Nov 2018 10:20:46
Ed025 has played for Everton, oh sorry you said high level, as you were ;)

10.) 15 Nov 2018 13:20:48
You would say that Jurgen (Ed1) you're trying to cover it up mate ;) lol and I'm the real Salah hahaha.

On a serious note though, bravo mate your knowledge never fails to impress.

Whilst I'm here Ed, the other day I was meant to ask but I forgot, is there any age restriction on the sites? The reason I ask is because my 12 year old boy wants an account on here but I said I'd ask first, if he's too young its OK, just thought I'd ask first before getting him signed up.

{Ed001's Note - no, we deliberately try to keep it child friendly. It is meant to be open to all.}

11.) 15 Nov 2018 13:31:10
In years to come, I can pretty much guarantee that some low-league team will give someone a shot on the basis of a sterling Football Manager game career, and they'll smash it.

{Ed002's Note - BA are very good although the service yeaterday was not up to scratch.}

14 Nov 2018 05:08:34
Hi Ed's,

Did the ol' search and last thing was may but didn't provide a definitive answer. There is talk of the New Balance deal expiring either this year or next and I know Ed002 said it has "years to run" but is it possible to put a figure on that at all? Cheers.

21 May 2018 12:17:40
Evening reds. It's been a while since I've been on here. Glad to see Ed002 is back! I am now settled in Oz and slowly coming round to the long nights to watch the games. There's nothing like watching the CL semi and having a late dinner at 8pm only to realise you still have 6hours until KO! If there are any others in Perth it'd be good to get in touch for the game. Very quietly optimistic, especially with Marcelo at left back. Sorry Ed, posted a bit early, happens to every man.

stuie_boy

{Ed002's Note - Oz. Felix Dennis was a chum I used to see far to rarely and now he is gone of course. He had a spectacular home in Dorsington.}

2.) 21 May 2018 13:31:05
Must admit Ed, I had to search that, but before my time despite my picture! Interesting reading material no doubt. I think you're right MK, rings a bell. Good to back online, got a lot of catching up to do, who's Harry's latest obsession?

26 Jul 2018 13:45:16
How do Spanish teams ie Madrid buy this kids from South America no issues? Is it to do with having g Spanish heritage or something?

stuie_boy

{Ed002's Note - I am not sure what you mean by "no issues". If you are referring to Work Permits then it is simply a matter of the rules being different in England to other European countries - as many of the rules related to the recruitment of players are.}

20 Jan 2019 15:31:26
Excellent read Ed. It's really refreshing to get an insight into the club from back then and see what's different and what's remained.

stuie_boy

{Ed001's Note - cheers mate, it is interesting doing the research and just seeing the same complaints repeated time and time again about the next generation being lazier and having too much stuff to occupy their time!}

01 Jan 2019 06:00:09
And Flanno, so much expected but didn't deliver. Think Ed001 mentioned about some off field issues, the obvious one being the assault against his girlfriend. Shame really, being a local lad an all.